Wireless connecting problem when new copmuter added

Question

I have a XP dimension 8200, XP inspiron B130 and XP inspiron 6000 running with no issues.  DSL modem is connected to the router.  The router is wired to the 8200 and the inspirons are wireless.  I use a netgear rangemax 2400 WPNT834 router.  This system has been running about a year without any issues.    The 6000 leaves and the two computers are running without any issues for about three months.  This week I purchased a new XP Vostro 1500 that has a pro/wireless 3945 802.11a/g wi-fi mini card and have been trying to get 1500 to run wirelessly and have been having issues.  If I get it running it kicks the other computers off line.  The 8200 and B130 still run with no issues if the 1500 is not on.   I am pretty much a novice and have been having no luck playing around with different settings.  I have disabled the firewall on the 1500 still not much help.  Right now I only have an antivirus program running.   I read in a posting on this site to switch to have Windows control my wireless instead of Intel PROSet/Wireless.  I tried that and it worked for a little while but I keep getting kicked off line.    I don't know where to turn for help.  Aside from this site I was thinking about contacting my ISP provider for help, or Dell or Netgear.    All suggestions are welcome as are suggestions as to where I can get help.  I would be truly appreciative for your help!   If you need any other information please let me know.

sx270_UFF · Answer

One standard procedure is powering the router down and then resetting it (usually by holding a button down for 30 seconds or so). The router is now cleared and set back to the default settings. Then, reconfigure the router to your custom settings.
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--->That is, note or backup the router's settings before starting, then reapply those settings to the cleared router. Most routers can back up their configuration settings to a file on the wired pc. Then this file can be imported by the router for restoring the custom settings.
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The procedure comes from one of the big router companies The explanation was that
when a SOHO, i.e. low price range, router has run for a long time or has alot of
changes, the internal tables can get 'cluttered' and a full reset is the only cure.
.....
Is the router's firmware updated to the newest version? Maybe the new computer is doing something new that is adversely affecting the router because the router has "out dated" firmware. This should not be the case with wireless b and g. But, there are two different vendors here - Dell and the router company - and that can be an issue
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Good luck.

Sohker · Answer

Thank you for your suggestions.  What I have done with the router is to pull the eIectric cord out to turn it off.  There is no button to power down.  Wait 2 minutes and restart.  This may help for a short time then I get disconnected.  I have also tried  turning off all the computers, router and modem in the sequence netgear recommends and restarting in the order netgear recommends with the same results.   How do I updated the router's firmware to the newest version I would like to try that?   This morning I thought I would try to hook up the 1500 via an ethernet cord.  I started by changing the connection from wireless to wired on the the 1500 and connected with no issues.  I did not get kicked off.  I then started the 8200 which is connected to the same router with ethernet wire.  The 8200 connected with no issues but when it connected I got a warning on the 1500 that said windows system error.  There is an IP address conflict with another system on the network.  The 1500 stayed connected and continues to work but I would like it to work wirelessly.   I have not tried turing on my other computer that connects wirelessly today.   Again any further help is appreciated.

volcano11 · Answer

Make sure the TCP/IP properties on the 1500 are set to 'Obtain an IP address automatically'.   Steve

Sohker · Answer

Thanks for the suggestion but it is already set to 'Obtain an IP address automatically'.   Anything else that I can try?

volcano11 · Answer

Are all computers on the network set to obtain IP addresses automatically?   Steve

volcano11 · Answer

Are you running any kind of encryption on your wireless network to keep unauthorized users off the network?    Steve

Sohker · Answer

Yes they are.

Sohker · Answer

First I want to thank you again for helping me through this!  I hope it will be ok if I get back to you tomorrow in case you reply to my response today.  Unfortunately I have to work on Monday.   Can you tell me how to or where to check for any encryption on my wireless network to keep unauthorized users off the network?

volcano11 · Answer

Read the user manual that came with your router, especially the part about wireless security.  That is where you set up the encryption.   Steve

Sohker · Answer

Let me know if this is the information you are looking for? Security options WEP Security encryption (WEP) Authentication type automatic Encryption strength 64 bit security encryption (wep) key key 1  - has a code entered   Once again thank you.

volcano11 · Answer

It appears that you have security enabled.  I would suggest that you reset your router to its default settings.   This will disable any security features you have set.  See if everything works.  If it does, start enabling the security features, one at a time, checking to make sure everything still works after re-enabling a feature.   Steve

Sohker · Answer

Today's question is which of the security features should I try to disable?  Which do I choose to change?

volcano11 · Answer

Resetting the router to its default settings, disables all security features. This gives you the ability to start over.   Steve

Sohker · Answer

I was able to switch the setting for security to none.  I still have the same issues.   Anything else I can try?

Sohker · Answer

As I have been working with this forum, I have been working through emails with netgear.   All three computers are now running properly!   What they had me do was to do a firmware update save it to the desktop then reconfigure the router using the firmware update.     THX for those who sent suggestions.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Wireless connecting problem when new copmuter added

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